Schiff, senators introduce legislation to regulate helicopter noise

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) joined California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer in introducing legislation on Monday to try and provide Los Angeles County residents a respite from helicopter noise.

The Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act would require the Federal Aviation Administration to establish regulations on flight paths and minimum altitudes for helicopter flights in the county, Schiff said.

“Residents living in Glendale, Pasadena, the Valley, the Hollywood Hills, West Hollywood and other areas are especially affected by intrusive, disruptive and often non-emergency related helicopter traffic above their neighborhoods,” Schiff said in a statement. “If the FAA won’t act, Congress must pass this legislation to give residents the relief they need.”

Schiff said that Pasadena residents are especially impacted because the canyons around the Rose Bowl concentrate low-flying helicopter noise.

If passed, the bill requires the FAA to set guidelines on where and how low helicopters can fly over residential areas in the county within 12 months of the bill’s passage.

In December, Schiff announced his plans to take up stalled helicopter noise legislation introduced by Howard Berman – the Valley Village congressional representative who lost his longtime seat in November.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), who defeated Berman in that contest, joined Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Beverly Hills) in offering support for the new measure, Schiff said in an announcement.

San Fernando Valley residents have been among the most vocal about the low-flying police and news helicopters.